Despite having 13 fire stations across Dinajpur district, none of them are equipped with a rescue diving team, creating a loophole in emergency services.
Whenever accidents occur in water bodies, the local fire service is struggling to conduct rescue operations.
The fire service has to rely on the rescue team from the Rangpur Fire Station, located 76 kilometres away.
In the past six months alone, 27 deaths have been reported from drowning in rivers and ponds across the district, with most of the victims being children.
According to authorities, the delays in rescue operations, caused by the absence of a diving unit, have been a major factor contributing to these fatalities.
The Dinajpur Sadar Fire Service Station, classified as ‘A’ grade, is equipped with advanced fire-fighting units, fire ambulances, and six modern rescue vehicles. Despite having such resources, the absence of a vital diving team is affecting rescue operations.
Dinajpur Fire Service Assistant Director Md Amirul Islam Sarkar acknowledged the issue and stated, “As the Dinajpur Sadar Station is an ‘A’ grade station, it is essential to have a diving unit here. We have raised the matter with higher authorities and have submitted a proposal to the Ministry, which is currently under process.”
However, Meherullah Badal, a member of the Dinajpur Development Forum, has called the situation unacceptable.
“The lack of a diving unit in such an essential emergency department is depriving the people of Dinajpur from receiving prompt rescue services. We demand immediate action to address this shortage,” he said.
